Olympus UK Press Release 15/01/04

A bright, high performance wide zoom lens for the Olympus E-System

The ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5

With its very wide-angle capabilities, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5 lens (35mm camera equivalent: 22-44mm) opens up yet more creative possibilities for Olympus E-1 digital SLR users. With remarkable light gathering power (F2.8 at the wide setting), it also permits shooting within a wider range of shutter speeds in low light conditions. Through full compatibility with the TIPA Award-winning FourThirds standard, this latest addition to the Olympus E-System delivers the excellent quality that professionals demand.

Superior optical performance is further aided by two aspherical lens elements, which minimise distortion as well as spherical and coma aberration. The latter is caused by light rays entering the periphery of a lens at an angle and converging in the form of a comet instead of a point. Furthermore, to help avoid ghosting or image flare, both problems which are particularly associated with wide-angle lenses, a new multi-coating has been applied to the first two lenses. The focusing system?s floating mechanism delivers sharp, high contrast images up to a shortest range of 28cm at any zoom setting.

Optics designed exclusively for digital photography
All ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are designed to maximise the performance of digital SLR cameras based on the FourThirds Standard. This enables full cross-manufacturer lens interchangeability among camera systems applying the standard.

FourThirds technology permits the use of lenses that are small and light but also boast a large aperture. Nearly telecentric optics guarantee images have perfect colour, clarity and brightness from the centre to the periphery of the frame. The lenses? high resolving power ensures the image sensor obtains the detail it needs to achieve its full potential. And with a splash-proof construction, the ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses are also protected from the elements.

The new ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm, F2.8-3.5 will be available from early March 2004, RRP ?499.00 (ex VAT).

Further information
The Olympus E-System is the world?s first digital SLR system to be based on the FourThirds Standard jointly developed by Olympus and Kodak. The professional system has been designed exclusively for digital photography. It currently comprises the Olympus E-1 SLR body plus a range of interchangeable lenses and other accessories. For more details, please visit www.olympus-pro.com.

Olympus E-System lenses:

ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm (28-108mm) F2.8~3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED50-200mm (100-400mm) F2.8~3.5
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED50mm (100mm) F2 Macro
ZUIKO DIGITAL ED300mm (600mm) F2.8
ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm (22-44mm) F2.8-3.5 (available February 2004)